The Psychology of Mans Possible Evolution. P. D. Ouspensky’s ‘The Psychology of Mans Possible Evolution’ was published shortly after his death in 1947 together with In Search of the Miraculous. It describes how and why man must work simultaneously on his knowledge and his being to find inner unity. From the book:
And here we come at once to a very important fact. Man does not know himself. He does not know his own limitations and his own possibilities. He does not even know to how great an extent he does not know himself.
“The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution” is a profound exploration into the potential for human development beyond our innate capacities. Authored by the Russian philosopher and esotericist P.D. Ouspensky, this work is derived from a series of lectures he delivered in the early 20th century. Ouspensky delves into the concept of “voluntary evolution,” proposing that humans possess the ability to evolve consciously through deliberate efforts. He contrasts this with the automatic, mechanical nature of our usual existence, suggesting that true evolution requires a harmonious development of both knowledge and being.
Central to the book is the idea that individuals often live in a state of “waking sleep,” unaware of their full potential. Ouspensky introduces the framework of the Fourth Way, a spiritual path that integrates practices from the three traditional ways—the way of the fakir, the monk, and the yogi—to facilitate holistic self-improvement while engaging in everyday life. He emphasizes the necessity of self-knowledge, self-discipline, and the guidance of a structured system or school to achieve genuine transformation.
This work serves as an introduction to Ouspensky’s interpretation of G.I. Gurdjieff’s teachings, offering readers a structured approach to self-observation and inner growth. It challenges readers to question their assumptions about consciousness, free will, and the possibilities of human evolution.
100 pages/605KB – download here:
-Or buy the print version here: Link
Full audio book here:
So, by all reasonable estimates, this work belongs in the public domain. Is that correct?
Hans seems astute to what is in copyright domain, and out. This is proven when two of Ouspensky’s books, once available in 2010, were re-published later and not now available, ref.
1) A New Model of the Universe, and,
2) In Search of the Miraculous,
both now removed for download, as indicated.
So, is it reasonable to say that ‘POMPE’ is secure as a free being in the greater public domain?
Steve
Someone stated recently when I offered that this book was available from Holy Books the following:
“Unfortunately, O.’s wife registered it after his death and it still belongs to descendants via inheritance. Thus any pdf of it is illegal.”
How he could know this baffles me because it has been available since June 2010, and I first downloaded it back then. No new edition seen, as far as I know.
Steve